PTFE Guillotine

Background

As most 3D printing enthusiasts who use a non-direct drive print, discover sooner or later, you have to trim your PTFE tube from time to time. I've always encountered two frustrations when doing this chore…

1. Ensuring the finished product is still round after it has been cut
2. The cut tube has to be cut squarely.

The PTFE Guillotine is designed to address both of these problems.

Parts

One of each of the four models

• Base
• Handle
• Holder
• Clamp

Additional items

• M5x12 Nut and M5 bolt
• M3x12 Nut and M3 bolt
• Spring that fits
• Gillette Minora blade or similar

Printing

I printed these as follows…

• Material: PLA+
• Layer Height: 0.2 mm
• Infill: 20%
• Supports: Yes

You can use whatever settings work for you.

Assembly

Note: When working with a sharp blade, be very careful you don't cut yourself. Continue at own risk.

1. Print out the models
2. Insert the Minora blade into the “holder” and then insert the “clamp” over it. The fit should be quite snug so that its hard to take it apart again.
3. Hold the M3 nut in the recess on the one side of the “handle” and screw the M3 bolt through from the other side. This holds the assembly in place and prevents it from pushing back while cutting.
4. Insert this assembly into the top of the “handle”
5. Insert the spring into the “handle” as shown in the photo.
6. Put the “handle” and “base” together so that the spring is in place on both and the hinge hole is aligned and ready to accept the M5 bolt.
7. Screw the M5 bolt through the hinge hole and you're done